New York: Day Four

Today was a good day. We left early to get over to the city so that we could take a tour of the Empire State Building. It was awesome! I got some really great pictures that I can't wait to upload. That seemed to take forever. We had to wait in line...hurry to the next stop (scanning our stuff, etc...it reminded me of the airport) and then hurry up and wait some more. In total going both directions we stood in line about two hours total. Which according to one of the guides this was a good day. He said most of the time people stand in line 2-3 hours each way. Afterwards we met up with our landlord, Norris, so that he could take us on a tour of all the "non-tourist" attractions. It was a really good time. We started at this old restored mansion that now serves as his private art club. It was beautiful. We then headed across the street to their private park. You literally have to have a key to get in and get out. Mostly there were a lot of nannies their with their children. It's not a park like you think. There isn't any equipment or anything, just gardens and park benches. Very nice, and surprisingly, quiet. We talked awhile and then headed a few blocks over to a newly restored hotel. It was modern and very, very ritsy. We sat and drank tea and then took a tour of the lobby (there were people playing billiards). It was insane. The bartender was irish. He was neat to listen to. Norris told us that it probably costs around $600 or more per night to stay there. Maybe someday when I'm rich...ha! After that we headed on what I like to call our parade of restaurants. :) He said the only way to eat in NY is to have a course at different stops. We had "appetizers" at a chinese dumpling joint. The food was amazing. Norris taught us to eat with chopsticks. We then proceeded to East village and stopped at a few shops along the way. There was a place called sock man where they only sell socks (of EVERY kind might I add). Next stop, Gourmet hotdogs. They had every kind of hotdog topping you could imagine. I ate a hotdog wrapped in bacon folded in between cheese and an overeasy egg. There was an underground bar that you could go to if your name was on a list and you entered through a phonebooth. Too bad our name wasn't on the list so we didn't get to check that out :( We walked a few more blocks to our final course...dessert! It was an upscale place called "Chickalicious." I must admit I felt a little out of place...but it was so worth it. We ate a three course dessert that was even served with wine that matched the type of dessert you chose. We all started with a strawberry gilatto topped with a frozen cream. Then I got an almond dessert of some sort that was drizzled with peach sorbet. Finally, a tray full of sampler chocolates, marshmellows, and cookies. Woah! We bid Norris farewell (he had a plane to catch) and headed to the subway. We finished our night off on Broadway at the CBS store which turned out to be closed. So we did some touristy shopping to purchase some New York memorabilia shirts. Finally, we headed back to the subway and took our final ride just before catching our last cab in the big apple! What an adventure it has been :0 I must say I'd love to come back again...maybe for a weekend to catch a show. But, you definately need a guide, it makes things so much easier! Next stop...New Jersey.